[September 03, 2014]CHICAGO
– Patient registration for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot
Program started September 2. The Illinois Department of Public
Health (IDPH) is accepting applications for qualifying patients and
caregivers who wish to apply for a medical cannabis registration
identification card. Applications are being accepted both
electronically and through the mail.

“We are excited to enter into this phase of the Program,” said
Bob Morgan, Statewide Project Coordinator for the Illinois Medical
Cannabis Pilot Program. “This Program will reduce the pain and
suffering of thousands of people in Illinois, and we wanted patients
and caregivers to have ample time to register with IDPH as
implementation continues.”

Qualifying patients whose last names begin with A – L have two
months (September 2 – October 31) to submit their applications.
Patients whose last names begin with M – Z may submit an application
from November 1– December 31. Applications can be submitted
electronically at
www.medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov or through the
mail to:

IDPH is also accepting physician certification forms through the
mail.

Once IDPH receives a complete application, which includes the
physician certification form and background information, IDPH has 30
business days to review it. Approval letters to qualified applicants
will be mailed within 15 business days once the application has been
reviewed. Registration cards will be mailed before dispensaries
open.

Applicants who submit an incomplete application will be notified
through the mail. They will have 21 days to resubmit their
application. Patients who have been denied will be notified in
writing as to why their application was denied.

More information about the patient application process can be
found online at
www.mcpp.illinois.gov in the Frequently Asked
Questions section. For any questions regarding patient and
caregiver registration, please contact the DPH Division of
Medical Cannabis at
(855) 636-3688 or
DPH.MedicalCannabis@illinois.gov

Applications for cultivation center (Illinois Department of
Agriculture) and dispensary (Illinois Department of Financial
and Professional Regulation) licenses are available online at
www.mcpp.illinois.gov